Exit Poll Shows Voter Backlash Over Trump’s Economy and Iran War

The economy was the top issue for voters in the November 3 midterm elections, and early exit-poll results showed broad dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s handling of it. Three-quarters said the U.S. economy was in poor shape, while 65% said Trump’s policies had made conditions worse. Thirty-nine percent named the economy as their most important concern, ahead of democracy at 32%.

Prices were a major source of concern: 88% were worried about the cost of food and groceries, 87% about fuel and 86% about utilities. Nearly eight in 10 said inflation was causing hardship for their families, and 62% held Trump responsible for high prices. Nearly half said their finances were worse than two years earlier; 18% said they were better off.

The poll also found that 43% cited opposition to Trump as one reason for their vote. His approval rating stood at 38%, below the 45% recorded in his first midterm election in 2018. Voters viewed both major parties unfavorably: 59% had an unfavorable view of Republicans and 54% of Democrats. Nearly one in five said they viewed neither party favorably.

The Iran war was another factor. Forty percent said it played a major role in their vote, and 62% said Trump was wrong to start it. Critics have linked the conflict to rising fuel costs. Trump has said preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is what matters to him in decisions about the country.

The poll also showed Democrats gaining ground in party identification among Latino voters: 43% identified as Democrats, up from 39% in 2024, while 27% identified as Republicans, down from 29%. At the time of publication, Democrats had won Senate races in Georgia and North Carolina and were leading in several others, including Texas and Ohio.

Voters Reject Trump’s Economic Record and Iran War

Voters delivered a sharp rebuke to President Donald Trump’s economic record in the November 3 midterms, with 75% saying the economy was in poor shape and 65% saying his policies had made it worse. The economy was the leading issue for voters, at 39%, ahead of democracy at 32%.

The cost of living was central to that judgment. Nearly eight in 10 voters said inflation was hurting their families, and 62% blamed Trump for high prices. Concern was widespread about groceries, fuel and utilities. Nearly half said their finances were worse than two years ago, compared with just 18% who said they were better off.

The Iran war compounded the backlash: 62% said Trump was wrong to start it, and 40% said it was a major factor in their vote. Critics have connected the conflict to higher fuel costs. Trump has said that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon—not Americans’ finances—is what matters to him in pursuing a deal.

Overall, 43% said opposition to Trump was a reason for their vote, and his approval stood at 38%. Democrats also improved their standing among Latino voters, with 43% identifying as Democrats, up from 39% in 2024. At publication, Democrats had won Senate races in Georgia and North Carolina and were leading in several others.

Midterm Voters Fault Trump as Both Parties Face Deep Distrust

The midterm exit poll presents a warning for Republicans: voters were sharply dissatisfied with the economy, an issue that had helped President Donald Trump win in 2024. Seventy-five percent said the economy was in poor shape, and 65% said Trump’s policies had worsened it. The economy led voters’ concerns at 39%, ahead of democracy at 32%.

But the results also show a broader crisis of confidence in both parties. Fifty-nine percent viewed Republicans unfavorably, and 54% viewed Democrats unfavorably; nearly one in five had an unfavorable view of both. Voters gave Democrats an advantage on several major issues, while Republicans held an edge on immigration. Views were split on taxes and artificial intelligence policy.

Trump also faced disapproval over Iran: 62% said he was wrong to start the war, and 40% said it was a major factor in their vote. Critics have blamed the conflict for contributing to fuel-price increases. Trump has maintained that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is the priority.

The poll found Trump’s approval at 38%, below his 2018 midterm level of 45%. Democrats had won Senate races in Georgia and North Carolina by publication and were leading in several more. Latino voters’ identification with Democrats rose to 43%, from 39% in 2024, while Republican identification fell to 27%.